The research, undertaken as part of 'Getting In, Getting On…in Construction', a three year project by ConstructionSkills and Edinburgh Napier University, seeks to address equality and diversity issues with apprentices and students in Scotland.
The report shows that women are currently under represented in the construction industry, with female apprentices accounting for just two percent of the 219 apprentices in the 48 companies that were surveyed.
Additional key findings include:
- 75% of companies agreed that recruiting more females into the industry would help solve future skill shortages and would result in a more productive and balanced workforce
- 72% agreed that women provide, or could provide, a different perspective in construction
- 62% stated that recruiting more women into construction would be good for business
- 55% of companies believe working conditions in construction are suited to women and 60% don’t think that it is hard for construction employees to combine work and family responsibilities
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"The fact remains that women are under-represented in the construction sector and it’s important that we look to change this by addressing the potential barriers to women entering and succeeding in the industry.
"Our equality and diversity project strives to combat some of the concerns and preconceptions surrounding this issue."
The first workshops will take place on Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 November at South Lanarkshire College where Scottish craft apprentices will have the chance to learn more about how society and the workforce are changing, legislation and what they can do to promote equality and diversity at work.
(CD/BMcC)
